Thursday, October 22, 2009
Big projects
The "Big Projects" topic in class focused on civics and social studies topics, but certainly can be applied to English classrooms. Please reflect on the speakers, the content, or other areas that come to mind as a result of the presentations from Pat Behner, Coby Haas, and the two students, Mamie and Kenny.
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The “We the People” program sounds like a way to get students actively involved in their own learning. It provides motivation for all members of a group to participate, while learning key concepts in American Government. Its student-centered aspect and connection to their beliefs and ideas make it entirely relevant. The use of authentic assessment makes it a powerful learning tool. I connected to the program tonight through its idea of making the Founding Fathers relevant, since I teach a unit based on the persuasive speeches that paved the way for The Constitution. I can use some aspects of this program to connect the ideals of that era to today’s social struggles, both in America and in foreign countries.
Project Citizen was also new to me, and since I could hear the audio and see the slide show, I actually got the most out of that part of the class. I particularly liked the idea of bringing parents back into students’ lives in a positive, constructive manner. I didn’t realize that program was supported by the No Child Left Behind Act; I guess there is some good to that legislation after all. I do think it is important for students to become involved in civil process and learn how to be contributing members of communities. I’ve noticed that here in Juneau, we do have quite a large number of civically involved students; I’ll credit both their parents and teachers for engaging and supporting that interest.
The information presented about both of these programs was all new to me, and I’m always interested in learning new ways to reach students and give them more control of their own learning. Since I’m moving somewhat chronologically, somewhat eclectically in and out of history, I should be working towards the American Revolution era in the next month and I plan to try out a few new ideas, like the big questions we tackled for We The People. They were interesting, important, and engaged the entire group.
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